What does the winner get? A $15 Amazon gift card OR $15 worth of books from The Book Depository. The choice is yours.

Even though I'm not choosing a book to giveaway this time, I do have some scary recommendations, just in case you are in the mood.

#5

Dean Koontz has written some scary books, but this one actually stopped me from jogging at night. I was too creeped out after reading this.

#4

I’ve seen the play, but nothing compares to the book. A film adaptation with Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) is coming out in 2012. Let’s see if it’s scarier than the play. Fingers crossed.

#3

This book left me traumatized.

#2

OMG! Some chapters are hard to read in the daylight.

#1

You couldn’t pay me to read this book. The title alone terrifies me. My late grandmother, an avid reader, devoured this book when it came out. I remember her telling me she couldn’t wait for the movie release to see how they were going to put some of those horrific scenes on the big screen. She didn’t think it could be done well. Thank you filmmakers for not disappointing my grandmother, but she still said the book was better.

Don't forget to tell me, what's the scariest or most disturbing book you've ever read?

Friday, October 21, 2011

Since I neglected didn’t have time to do the second challenge, I figured I had to accomplish the third campaigner challenge.

Here are the rules:

Write a blog post in 300 words or less, excluding the title.

The blog post should show:

• that it’s morning,
• that a man or a woman (or both) is at the beach
• that the MC (main character) is bored
• that something stinks behind where he/she is sitting
• that something surprising happens.

Just for fun, see if you can involve all five senses AND include these random words: "synbatec," "wastopaneer," and "tacise."

My entry came in at 299 words.

Working Vacation

Stretching in her cushy lounger on their strip of isolated paradise, Vy yawned and turned the page of her client’s manuscript. Being old school, she liked to make notes on a hardcopy.

“Hon, do you know what tacise means?”

Jake shook his head, eyes closed as he basked in the divine sunshine. “Aren’t you supposed to know that stuff, since you’re the expert?”

As an agent she was the supposed expert, but ever since her client, Claude, became an Oprah book club pick, he started using words that she didn’t even know.

“I think Claude is messing with me.” She homed in on another word she’d never seen in the dictionary. “What’s a wastopaneer?”

“Isn’t your brother one of those?”

With her barefoot, she flicked warm sand at him.

“Hey!” Her husband jackknifed up from his lounger, brushing powdery white granules from his tanned, lean legs.

She slurped the last of her Mai Tai, craving another and it wasn’t even close to lunchtime. A breeze carrying the salty scent of the ocean tousled her hair, flipping pages. She considered going back to where she’d left off, but if this book didn’t pick up no reader was ever going to get the chance to be confused by Claude’s ten dollar words because no editor would buy it. “What about synbatec?”

Vy froze, wrestling with the urge to see why she shouldn’t move. Jake leaped from his chair. Eyes bulging, he stared at something behind her. Goosebumps prickled her arms.

As a horrid stench of rotten eggs and burned rubber blasted her, she wrinkled her nose. Bitter foulness seeped into her mouth, clogging her throat. Shrieking, she threw the manuscript in the air and jumped up.

There are loads of entries, many I’m sure are awesome. I’ve only read a couple so far, but plan to read more this weekend. If you happen to like mine enough to vote for it, click here, I’m entry #88.

Now, let’s move along to other things. Mention-worthy blogs of the week:

At http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/, Jessica Faust had three articles I found interesting, from how an offer from a small press can get you an agent, to reading your publishing contract, and Workshop Wednesdays running through 2011 where she’ll critique query letters.

Mia has one goal for her senior year at Whispering Woods High--find her missing older brother. But when her science project reveals a portal into another dimension, she learns that travelers are moving in and out of her woods in the most alarming way and government agents Regulus and Arizona are policing their immigration. Mia’s drawn to the mysterious, aloof Regulus, but it’s no time for a crush. She needs to find out what they know about her brother, while the agents fight to save the world from viral contamination. But when Regulus reveals that he knows Mia’s secrets, she begins to wonder if there’s more going on than she thought...and if she was wrong to trust him...

Sammy Lorre was cast from Heaven for conduct unbecoming an angel. Living in a demon infested small town with no memory of her previous life, she faces never-ending purgatory until Boon saunters into her life with a promise of angelic love. But is he an angel from Heaven or a minion from the underworld preying on her human emotions? To discover his true identity, she must risk eternal damnation and her heart.

An urban legend becomes a nightmare when three women face the tragic consequences of an unexplainable vanishing, a sadistic marriage and a visit from beyond the grave, after an ancient talisman grants their wishes. Tempestuous Tales adds a modern twist to three classic American short stories: The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs, Night Drive by Will F. Jenkins and Bluebeard’s Bride by Sarah Holland, based on the works of Charles Perrault.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Today I'm hosting another guest and friend, the fabulous J.L. Campbell. J.L. is a writer, mother, and all around incredible person. Sometimes it is difficult to know who to connect with in the blogging word and in Twitterverse. Hint, hint, you want to connect with J.L. if you're interested in meeting a positive person with high energy who knows how to support a friend. J.L., thanks for coming on and sharing your lessons!

Before I get going, I’d like to thank Isis for letting me take over her blog today. For those who are visiting for the first time, make sure to add yourself as a follower!

My blogging pals know that I’m published traditionally, and that I took the plunge into self-publishing in September. Am I out of my depth? You betcha, but although it’s said by know-it-alls that blogging doesn’t affect book publishing one whit, I know different. What have I learned so far? Stuff you probably know already, but they’re important enough for me to reiterate.

Start Promotion Early in the event that you ever plan to publish anything. I’ve been caught flat footed time and again and the lessons don’t seem to stick. For instance, my next novel comes out on November 1. I got a case of the blues - not to mention envy - today when I checked out another blogging buddy who’s hosting a blogfest for her book. Get this – her release date is the same as mine. Check out the cool stuff Susan’s doing. Lead up activity is wonderful and you want to give people time to get on your bandwagon for blast off day. That said, if you’re into YA/Paranormal/Sci-Fi books, go sign up for that virtual launch party.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for help when you need it. Writers are the most helpful people I know. In September, I made an appeal for bloggers to help me get the word out on my Don’t Get Mad project. I still haven’t scheduled posts with some of the people who’ve offered to have me on their blogs, such was the outpouring. I admit it was awkward asking for help, but I’ve learned that writers do want to see others succeed and will help if given a chance.

Be a Beacon to your fellow bloggers/writers. Don’t assume that because you don’t have a huge blog following you can’t help. There are times when I’ll Tweet/Like/Share an article because I think it will be of interest to others. You never know who might need the information or what linkages you’ll make. I was plenty chuffed when Camy Tang followed me on Twitter and that was simply from tweeting one of her blog posts. I didn’t expect to gain anything from that tweet, and only did it because Camy’s a writer I admire and she’s done some excellent posts on writing.

Build Goodwill through your actions. I have some blogging buddies who exemplify this. They’re kind and helpful, just because. Damyanti Biswas, Jeanne Bannon, Michelle Fayard, Tirzah Goodwin and Wendy Ewurum are but a small sampling of bloggers who’ve been very good to me. I’ll help them in any way I can simply because of the favours, support and encouragement they’ve given me without asking for anything in return. A band of writers who share the same genre has some excellent advantages. Your reach is much bigger if you opt to promote each other’s books.

Share the Love by following other people’s blogs and commenting. You might say ‘Duh!’ to this, but I gotta confess that I had no clue what to do when I first started blogging. I wondered why I was the only one visiting me and when I did visit others, I didn’t follow, thinking that although they wrote interesting stuff, I couldn’t just roll up and add myself to their bunch of followers. I’d lurk and not say anything, which is a waste of time unless you’re hanging around a really good resource blog. Over time, I learned that most bloggers will follow back if they like what’s going on at your blog. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by visits from writers who have a big following or whose books I’ve enjoyed. All I did was leave a sensible comment.

Be Approachable. Each of us started with a single follower or perhaps a handful. I continue to be amazed by super-bloggers like Alex, Arlee and Talli, who take time to respond to comments, or if they don’t respond on their blogs, they pop in to visit those who stopped by. I don’t know about you, but it’s a turn off for me to visit a blog, comment maybe once or twice and then start feeling invisible because the blogger never responds. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you is a good rule to live by.

Use Nifty Tools at your disposal. I feel like a hypocrite saying this as I don’t make enough time to pre-schedule my stuff. Anyway, save yourself the hassle of tweeting manually by using one of the many auto tweeting services now available. I’ve tried several and settled on Twuffer. If only I’d use it more! Triberr is a really cool site, basically it’s Twitter on steroids. Check it out and get an invite if you can. It gives tweeters a massive reach in combination with other people.

Here’s one more thing. ‘Brawta’ as we say in Jamaican Patois. Write things down. I can’t endorse this enough. I’ve downloaded one of those calendars from Microsoft where you can see a month’s activities at a glance. That way, I know where I’m supposed to be guest posting when, as well as the dates I’m supposed to be sending the post/interview over.

Thanks again, J.L., for coming on and sharing your lessons. It was great to learn something new. To find out more about J.L., check out her bio below.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

I met Anita in one of Margie Lawson's grueling yet worthwhile workshops. For any writer serious about getting published in fiction, I highly recommend one of Margie's workshops. You will not be sorry.

Last year, when I met Anita I asked her to come on my blog once her paranormal romance series was published. Not only did she graciously agree, but she's also giving away a copy to one lucky commenter in the US or Canada. Thanks Anita!!

AC: I’m thrilled to be here. I love connecting with readers.

IR: In 50 words or less, how would you describe Awaken the Highland Warrior?

AC: A chivalrous highland warrior from the past and a modern day quirky historian clash wits and hearts in this romantic, mysterious tale of secret warriors, ancient evil, and destined love.

IR: What inspired you to write this particular book?

AC: A dream. A really bad dream. I paired it with an idea I’d been tossing around about an undead buried warrior and came up with the story. I love this story. It’s the story of my heart.

IR: How many agents did you query for this book before receiving an offer of representation? And how did you deal with rejection/criticism?

AC: Not many. I got my agent fairly quickly. I think I queried a handful before her, and got rejected. Now I’m glad the others rejected me. She’s awesome. As far as rejection, it hurts, but you move on. It doesn’t mean your story is bad, just that it isn’t for them.

IR: How long was the book on submission with editors before you received an offer? And how did you maintain your sanity while waiting?

AC: The editor was actually on vacation when we submitted. She made an offer a couple of weeks after she returned.

IR: What makes this time-travel novel different from others?

AC: Usually with time travel, the heroine goes back in time. In this case, the hero, a big, strapping, chauvinistic warrior has been sleeping for 150 years, so he has to deal with the modern world he’s awakened in, and also modern women, which are a huge shock. It’s quite funny watching him adjust. The book has a lot of humor along with the mystery and adventure.

IR: Did you have any difficulty making Faelan’s (the hero) experience in the modern day world feel believable since he’s a highland warrior from 150 yrs in the past?

AC: I had to get inside his head and think like he would, which required some research to see what things were like in his time.

IR: Bree is a fun, feisty heroine. I was intrigued by her powers, but wanted to know more. Will readers see Bree again in future books?

AC: Yes, we will see Bree again. She plays a large role in book two and in the series. Her story has much more to be told. Everyone had questions about Bree. I had hoped to leave a little mystery to be solved in book two, but I’ve had such a noticeable reaction that I wish I had cleared things up a little more. Bree is in for a big shock in book two.

IR: Do you use critique partners and/or beta readers?

AC: Yes to both. I have one critique partner, Dana Rodgers. I don’t know what I would do without her. She knows how to keep me in check when I’m going too far, and how to push me when I need to make the story bigger. And I do have a few beta readers. By the time the story is done, both Dana and I have seen it so many times there are things we are bound to miss.

IR: What type of environment do you like to write in: office, surrounded by nature, on a sofa listening to music? And what are essential must have items while you work?

AC: Basically, I like quiet when I’m working. No music, nothing. I do love nature. Sometimes I go out on my deck where I’m surrounded by trees and squirrels. And I love candles, especially beautiful candle holders and lanterns, so sometimes I write by candlelight. The only essential items would be my computer or laptop and something to drink. Oh, and pens and scratch pads for notes.

IR: When is your next book coming out? And what are you currently working on?

AC: Embrace the Highland Warrior comes out November 1!

It’s the second in the series. It’s the story of Cody McBain, whose family spent over two decades protecting the identity of a powerful female warrior who was targeted by an ancient demon when she was a child. Fearing for her life, they even kept the secret from her. But years later, when she discovered that her entire life had been a lie, she turned her back on her clan and Cody, her best friend since childhood. Now she’s back, with hell at her heels, and Cody will have to break all the rules to save the woman who shattered his heart.

When the demon who left Shay for dead discovers her empty grave, he comes looking for vengeance, believing she possesses an ancient book he has sought for centuries. But the vampires also want the book. Shay knows she can’t fight this evil alone, so she’s forced to return to her clan and the Scottish Warrior who betrayed her…the only man she’s ever loved, where she discovers that betrayal isn’t always what it seems. Sometimes it’s far worse.

In the meantime, I’m working on the third book.

IR: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

AC: Learn what you can from other writers, but don’t get locked into someone else’s journey. This is not a one size fits all business. Also, learn the rules of writing, but more importantly, focus on telling a great story.

IR: Okay, two final, fun questions. If money wasn’t a factor, what would be your dream vacation?

AC: First, we’d go to Scotland, and then we’d tour some of the great castles and old buildings in Europe. Hubby and I are fascinated by old architecture. Then, we’d go skiing somewhere fun, maybe Switzerland. I’d mostly sit by the fire reading and drinking hot chocolate while hubby and kids skied. Then we’d cruise to an exotic island where I’d sit on a beach of white sand and turquoise water, with tons of books and read. Hey, you said money was no object.

IR: What is one daring thing you’ve done in your life or something about you that readers would be surprised to learn (if you don’t mind sharing)?

AC: Several years ago, I traveled with a group of Aztec dancers. I booked shows for them; I didn’t dance. Now that would have really been daring. The dance was powerful, mesmerizing, but I would not want to stick my toes in fire.

Thank you so much Anita for the interview and for taking the time to say hi to commenters!

Don't forget, ONE COMMENTER WILL WIN A COPY. For more on Anita's debut novel, see below.

Excerpt from Awaken the Highland Warrior:

She started from the kitchen, when a crash sounded from her bedroom. Gripping the tray, she ran down the hall, coming to a halt in the doorway.

He was naked, sprawled face down, feet sticking off the bed, as bare as the day he was born. The lamp was overturned, his clothes piled on the floor next to his dagger and boots. He’d tried to turn the covers back, but now they were trapped underneath him. Bree set the tray on the table beside the bed.

He wasn’t the first naked man she’d seen, but he might as well have been. Taut skin covered muscle so defined it made her want to weep at the raw beauty. Several faint lines ran across his back and shoulders and a couple along the side of his hip. Scars.

Bree gave one lingering look from thick, dark hair to sexy feet, then averted her gaze and poked his shoulder with her fingertip. “Faelan, wake up.”

He didn’t move. She took one more look, leaned down, and shook him again.

He grunted and flipped over, pulling her flat against him. He rolled again, and the air whooshed from her lungs as he slammed her into the mattress, his forearm braced against her windpipe. “Druan,” he said, looking through her, “stop the war.”

She lay still, trying not to panic. “Faelan. Let me go,” she wheezed. When he didn’t, she tried to put her knee into his groin, but with her legs pinned under his it proved as ineffective as it had in the crypt,. He groaned and moved his arm from her throat. She was so busy sucking in air she didn’t notice his fingers threading through her hair until she calmed enough to realize he was still on top of her, stomach to stomach, where her shirt had ridden up. Her legs, bared by shorts, were tangled with his. His skin felt hotter. He had a fever. And that wasn’t his dagger rubbing against her thigh.

His head lowered, damp hair brushing her cheek as he whispered strange words that made every cell in her body sizzle. Gaelic? His look was more alarming than before, as if she were water to his thirst. This was a look she could die in, a look that made her want to trash logic for a slim chance at bliss. His lips touched hers.

She was too stunned to stop the kiss and too captivated by the feel of his mouth on hers to pull away. The soft nibble, a mere testing of flesh against flesh, deepened to lips parting and a flick of his tongue. Just when she thought she’d lift off into space, he raised his head and blinked at her, then rolled off so fast she grabbed fistfuls of the quilt to keep from falling off the bed. She sat up, too dazed to move, and tried not to gape.

She’d thought the back view was good…

Anita Clenney grew up an avid reader, devouring Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books before moving on to mysteries and romance. After working as a secretary, a Realtor, teacher’s assistant, booking agent for Aztec Fire Dancers, and a brief stint in a pickle factory (picture Lucy and Ethel--lasted half a day)…she realized she'd missed the fork in the road that led to her destiny. Now she spends her days writing mysteries and paranormal romantic suspense about Secret Warriors, Ancient Evil and Destined Love. Anita lives in suburban Virginia, outside Washington DC, with her husband and two kids. You can learn more about her writing at www.anitaclenney.com

Friday, October 7, 2011

With so much to do, writing, revising, brainstorming, swimming in the social media pool (blogging, visiting the blogs of others, tweeting), learning about promotion techniques now so I’m prepared later, exercising to keep the heart healthy, paying government dues, taking care of the mundane things that must be done, and preparing for a transcontinental move, I’m particular about how I spend my free time.

I don’t have cable with 140 channels. I do have iTunes and access to most shows. Some I’m still waiting on like Game of Thrones and the last season of Big Love. As my husband and I cull from the plethora of shows available, we go for variety: sci-fi, drama, comedy. I’ll give a show one to two episodes before making a decision. If I’m really on the fence, then I’ll give it a third chance to hook and win me as a viewer.

The shows that are my favorite leave me hungry for the next episode. Throughout the season the writers don’t hold back, they don’t wring every drop from a plot line as if they’re worried their imaginations can’t come up with something new to keep viewers hooked. More importantly, they force the characters to make tough choices and aren’t afraid to kill someone if it makes sense.

My top two favorites for now are:

The Vampire Diaries

and

Sons of Anarchy

One show that had so much potential, but failed miserably: V.

First, they dragged the story out, making us wait too long for the good stuff. TV shows can’t get away with this anymore and neither can a book. There’s simply too much to choose from.

Then V, the little remake that could but didn’t, had the kiss of death--the four to six month hiatus where they expect viewers to patiently wait instead of forgetting about the show and moving on to the next one.

Pushing the envelope is not easy to do, but if done well the rewards speak for themselves with hit TV shows and novels we recommend to our friends because we can’t stop talking about them.

What are you watching that you’d recommend? I’d love to know your favorites.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Diana is an international best-selling author, fellow member of RomVets (military women who’ve turned the sword into a pen), and an inspiration who never ceases to amaze me.

Not only is she a gifted storyteller that turned this die-hard paranormal/urban fantasy reader into a lover of historical romance, but she is also a philanthropist with a big heart and generous spirit. I’m eagerly anticipating her Highland Vampire anthology.

Thanks for coming on and sharing your wisdom, Diana!

"Insecurities To Success - a doubters guide to believing in self!"

Dreams are visions of what we can become. But, dreams are also an invitation to doubt, to wonder if you’re good enough, or if you have what it takes. When I retired from the Navy, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a published author. After 100 rejections, I quit counting as I figured I knew how to achieve a rejection. Then, after 9 ½ years, I finally sold. The journey taught me many things, which I’d like to share with you.

-Take yourself seriously: If YOU don’t, no one else will.

-Associate with people who inspire you, and encourage you to achieve your dreams. Encourage and inspire others as you grow in your own writing.

-Set a clear goal: Once you know exactly what you want, break down steps to achieve it. If you’re unsure how to start, read biographies of people who have achieved a dream similar to yours. What steps did they take? Are there comparable avenues you can pursue?

-Success is a compilation of small steps toward one focused goal.

-Affiliate yourself with professional organizations: Join accredited groups to educate yourself about the industry you’ve chosen. In addition to net-working, you will have opportunities to learn from on-line or local sources.

-Self affirmation: Each morning reaffirm that you are good enough and clarify your goal of the day. Then, move forward with positive, focused steps.

-Inspirational quotes: I’m a huge fan of inspirational quotes, they ground and remind me that each of us struggle as we pursue our dreams. Each day, I find a quote that touches me and post it on my Facebook page in hopes others find inspiration in the message as well.

-Permission to fail: Success is not a moment, but a journey. As we grow within our craft, there will be times when we fail at a certain steps. Focus not on the failure, but on the lessons learned. What worked, what didn’t? Move forward and make wiser decisions with the knowledge learned.

-The way we act, and talk about our goals reflects our commitment to them: What are you telling yourself? “I WILL do this!” Or, are you assuring yourself that one day you’ll really try?

-Give the gift of example: When you make the choice to follow your dream, you are doing more than commitment to self, but teaching your children an important life lesson — dare to dream, and follow through. So, be bold. Believe in yourself.

I hope you’ve found inspiration from my comments. Remember, there is no right path, but the steps right for you. Believe in yourself, YOU have what it takes!

*How do you encourage others to go after their dreams?

Diana's bio: Most people think of retirement as a time to relax. For me, retiring at 36 from my job as a Navy Chief Meteorologist/ Oceanographer allowed me to pursue my passion – writing romance novels. With 33 moves behind me and having traveled through many countries, I was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people I’ve met over the years.

I am currently working on the next Scottish medieval romantic suspense book in the award-winning MacGruder brothers series as well as a story for a Scottish medieval Vampire anthology featuring Hannah Howell to be released in 2012. I look forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share my journey.

To learn more about Diana or to purchase her latest release HIS DESTINY, click HERE.